more precious than life itself? If received aright, all things will be counted but as dung and dross in comparison of it. If received aright, it will be obeyed : your course of life will be directed by it : and you will be standing ready to give up your account to him, whose word it is, and whose salvation is proclaimed unto you. O ! deceive not yourselves with a mere profession of faith in Christ ; but give yourselves up alto- gether to him : and make him " all your salvation, and all your desire."]
2. In a way of encouragement —
[Once more we bear our testimony before you ; and declare, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour, the only Saviour, of the world. Once more we declare, that his salva- tion is free for all ; as free as the light we see, or the air we breathe. The grace of God, as revealed in it is exceeding abundant; insomuch that, " where sin has abounded, his grace shall much more abound," if only ye be willing to accept it as the gift of sovereign love and mercy. Do not, I pray you, place the smallest reliance on any thing of your own : for I testify to every one amongst you, that if you attempt to blend any thing of your own with the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will make void the grace of God, and render Christ himself of no effect. " This is the record of God which we are commissioned to proclaim, that God hath given to us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son : he that hath the Son, hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life." Receive this record, and all will be well : reject it, and you must inevitably perish : for " there is no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved, but the adorable name of Jesus Christ." If an adherence to Christ expose you to diffi- culties, be it so : and be content to bear the cross for his sake : but if, through the fear of man, ye deny Christ, know that he will deny you before the whole universe at his tribunal. " If, on the contrary, ye suffer with him, fear not but that ye shall be also glorified together."]